If the FAA puts up too many barriers for pilots wrestling with medical and mental health issues, it can backfire, according to Larsen. He noted a Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine study last year found that 56.1% of pilots reported avoiding health care for fear of being grounded.
FAA
Want your voice heard on the FAA’s new control towers?
The FAA is asking for public comments on the environmental assessment to replace 31 outdated airport traffic control towers at general aviation airports across the country.
Proposed rule to restore flight training in experimental aircraft
The FAA is seeking public comment on a proposed rule that will allow flight training in experimental aircraft, such as for transition training.
First steps taken for permanent tower at KJYO
The second busiest general aviation airport in the Virginia, Leesburg Executive Airport was the site of a remote tower program until June 14, 2023. The remote tower program was canceled by the FAA, which is paying for a mobile tower and air traffic controllers through the end of September 2023.
More questions than answers surround unleaded fuel
An update on the Eliminate Aviation Gasoline Lead Emissions (EAGLE) initiative shows that even with years of research, there is still so much we don’t know about how general aviation piston airplanes will fly with the new fuel — or even when it will be available for widespread testing by aircraft manufacturers and engine makers.
Congress begins working on FAA reauthorization
H.R. 3935, the Securing Growth and Robust Leadership in American Aviation Act, is bipartisan legislation that reauthorizes the FAA for the next five years, as well as gives the agency its “marching orders” from lawmakers.
President signs legislation to modernize NOTAM system
The new law requires the FAA to set up a task force made up of all representatives of the aviation industry, including general aviation, the review the NOTAM system. The agency is also required to implement a back-up system to deter another system-wide crash like the one that happened in January 2023.
FAA updates pilot antidepressant program
Pilots who are on antidepressants don’t have to have routine follow-ups, while the FAA added a new drug, bupropion, to the list of approved antidepressants.
FAA proposes removing expiration date on flight instructor certificates
The new rule would bring flight instructor certificates in line with other pilot certificates that don’t expire, but require pilots to maintain proficiency with continued training and experience.